Radiation image display apparatus and radiation imaging system

ABSTRACT

A radiation image display apparatus that constitutes a radiation imaging system includes a displayer and a hardware processor that acquires image data of a dynamic image constituted of a plurality of frame images, image data of an analysis dynamic image obtained by applying predetermined image processing to the image data of the dynamic image and image data of a related dynamic image which is related to the dynamic image or the analysis dynamic image respectively, and causes the displayer to display the related dynamic image together with the dynamic image and the analysis dynamic image.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/380,021, filed on Apr. 10, 2019. Priority under35 U.S.C. § 119 is hereby claimed from Japanese Application No.2018-076006, filed on Apr. 11, 2018, the disclosures of which are bothincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Technological Field

The present invention relates to a radiation image display apparatus anda radiation imaging system.

Description of the Related Art

One of radiograph imaging techniques is moving image capturing (alsoreferred to as “serial imaging”).

In moving image capturing, a plurality of frame images are repeatedlygenerated in a predetermined cycle (e.g., 15 times per second). Byplaying back (sequentially displaying a plurality of frame images)dynamic images obtained through moving image capturing on a displayapparatus, it is possible to observe operation of an imaging targetregion (e.g., lung field).

In recent years, by applying various kinds of image processing asdescribed, for example, in National Publication of International PatentApplication No. 2017-510427, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-002251,Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-273671 or Japanese Patent Laid-OpenNo. 2017-200565 to image data of dynamic images, it is possible toimprove viewability of an imaging target region or track all details ofoperation of the imaging target region.

SUMMARY

Such moving image capturing is often conducted for one subject aplurality of times at a certain interval of days to get a follow-upobservation of the subject. For this reason, a diagnosis using dynamicimages requires comparison of a dynamic image obtained through new imagecapturing with an analysis dynamic image obtained by applying imageprocessing to a dynamic image obtained through past image capturing orcomparison of an analysis dynamic image obtained by applying imageprocessing to a dynamic image obtained through new image capturing witha past analysis dynamic image or the like.

However, since there are several types of image processing, the numberof dynamic images to be compared generally tends to increase.Furthermore, conventional display apparatuses necessitate switching ofdisplay to find out past analysis dynamic images to be compared or tocompare a comparison source dynamic image with a comparison targetanalysis dynamic image, and so performing comparison requires time andeffort.

It is an object of the present invention to facilitate comparisonbetween a comparison source dynamic image and a comparison targetdynamic image.

To achieve at least one of the abovementioned objects, according to afirst aspect of the present invention, a radiation image displayapparatus reflecting one aspect of the present invention comprises adisplayer and a hardware processor that acquires image data of a dynamicimage constituted of a plurality of frame images, image data of ananalysis dynamic image obtained by applying predetermined imageprocessing to the image data of the dynamic image and image data of arelated dynamic image which is related to the dynamic image or theanalysis dynamic image respectively, and causes the displayer to displaythe related dynamic image together with the dynamic image and theanalysis dynamic image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of theinvention will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given hereinbelow and the appended drawings which are givenby way of illustration only, and thus are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of aradiation imaging system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of aradiation image display apparatus provided for the radiation imagingsystem in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 shows an example of a sequence of marks or comments displayed bythe radiation image display apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 13 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 14 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, and FIG. 15C are a diagram describing waveformapproximation conducted by the radiation image display apparatus in FIG.2;

FIG. 16A, FIG. 16B and FIG. 16C are diagrams illustrating a playbackrange of a dynamic image;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating part of a display screen of theradiation image display apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 18 shows an example of a display screen of a radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to an associated technique;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating connection between a radiation imagingsystem according to the associated technique and another apparatus;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating part of a display screen of theradiation image display apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 21 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 22 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 23 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 24 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 25 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 26 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 27 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 28 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 29 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 30 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 31 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 32 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 33 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 34 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 35 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 36 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 37 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 38 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating part of a display screen of theradiation image display apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 40 is a diagram describing waveform approximation conducted by theradiation image display apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 41A, FIG. 41B and FIG. 41C are diagrams illustrating part of adisplay screen of the radiation image display apparatus according to theassociated technique;

FIG. 42 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 43 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique;

FIG. 44 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique; and

FIG. 45 shows an example of a display screen of the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to the associated technique.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, one or more embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of theinvention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[Radiation Imaging System]

A configuration of a radiation imaging system (hereinafter referred toas an “imaging system 100”) according to the present embodiment will bedescribed first. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematicconfiguration of the imaging system 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system 100 of the present embodiment isconfigured to include a radiation irradiation apparatus (hereinafterreferred to as an “irradiation apparatus 1”), a radiation imagingapparatus (hereinafter referred to as an “imaging apparatus 2”), aradiation image analysis apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an“analysis apparatus 3”) and a radiation image display apparatus(hereinafter referred to as a “display apparatus 4”).

The irradiation apparatus 1 is configured to include a control apparatus11, an exposure switch 12, and a radiation source (bulb) 13.

The control apparatus 11 is configured to be able to apply a voltagecorresponding to a preset radiation exposure condition (tube voltage,tube current, irradiation time (mAs value) or the like) to the radiationsource 13 based on pressing of the exposure switch 12.

The radiation source 13 includes a rotating anode and a filament, whichare not shown, or the like. The radiation source 13 is configured suchthat when a voltage is applied from the control apparatus 11, thefilament irradiates the rotating anode with an electron beamcorresponding to the applied voltage and the rotating anode generatesradiation (X-rays or the like) with a dose corresponding to an intensityof the electron beam.

The irradiation apparatus 1 is configured to be able to repeatedlyradiate pulse radiation having a predetermined time width in apredetermined cycle based on one imaging operation (pressing of theexposure switch 12).

The irradiation apparatus 1 is configured to be able to change theorientation of a radiation irradiation port of the radiation source 13and irradiate a subject in an upright position or a subject in a lyingposition with radiation (carrying out both upright position imaging andlying position imaging).

Note that the irradiation apparatus 1 may be of a type fixed to animaging chamber or of a mobile type provided with wheels.

The imaging apparatus 2 is configured to be able to repeatedly generateimage data of a radiation image based on the radiation received from theirradiation apparatus 1 in a predetermined cycle and is connected withthe analysis apparatus 3 and the display apparatus 4 so as to becommunicable therewith by wired or wireless means.

Furthermore, the imaging apparatus 2 is also configured to include aradiation detector and a reader or the like, which are not shown.

The radiation detector may include a substrate on which a plurality ofpixels are two-dimensionally arrayed, each pixel including a radiationdetection element that directly or indirectly generates a quantity ofcharge corresponding to the dose of radiation by receiving radiationfrom outside and a switch element that can switch between ON-state inwhich conduction between the radiation detection element and wiringprovided between each radiation detection element and wiring is enabledand OFF-state in which conduction is disabled, and any publicly knownconventional radiation detector may be used.

That is, the imaging apparatus 2 may be a so-called indirect typeapparatus provided with a scintillator, detecting light emitted from thescintillator by receiving radiation or may be a so-called direct typeapparatus directly detecting radiation without interposing ascintillator.

The reader may be configured to be able to read a quantity of chargeaccumulated in a plurality of radiation detection elements as a signalvalue and generate image data of a radiation image based on each signalvalue, and any publicly known conventional reader can be used.

The analysis apparatus 3 is configured to be able to apply various kindsof image processing to image data using a PC, a portable terminal or adedicated apparatus and generate image data of a plurality of types ofanalysis dynamic images, and is connected with the imaging apparatus 2and the display apparatus 4 so as to be communicable by wired orwireless means.

The display apparatus 4 is constructed of a PC, a portable terminal or adedicated apparatus, and is connected with the imaging apparatus 2 andthe display apparatus 4 so as to be communicable by wired or wirelessmeans. Details of the display apparatus 4 will be described later.

By irradiating the subject disposed between the irradiation apparatus 1and the imaging apparatus 2 with radiation from the irradiationapparatus 1, the imaging system 100 of the present embodiment configuredin this way can perform radiation imaging of the subject.

Particularly, it is possible for the imaging apparatus 2 to capturedynamic images of the subject by repeatedly irradiating the subject withpulse radiation from the irradiation apparatus 1 and repeatedlygenerating dynamic images of the subject. Hereinafter, capturing dynamicimages will be referred to as “moving image capturing” and eachradiation image constituting a dynamic image will be referred to as a“frame image.”

Furthermore, the imaging system 100 can also be used by being connectedwith a radiology information system (RIS), a picture archiving andcommunication system (PACS) (not shown) or the like.

Note that although a case has been shown in FIG. 1 where the analysisapparatus 3 and the display apparatus 4 are provided separately, theanalysis apparatus 3 and the display apparatus 4 may be integrated asone unit. That is, the display apparatus 4 may incorporate the functionof the analysis apparatus 3.

[Radiation Image Display Apparatus]

Next, details of the display apparatus 4 provided for the above imagingsystem 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating aspecific configuration of the display apparatus 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the display apparatus 4 is provided with acontroller 41, a communicator 42, a storage 43, a displayer 44, anoperating part 45 and a bus 46 that connects the respective parts.

The controller 41 is constructed of a CPU (central processing unit), aRAM (random access memory) or the like. The CPU of the controller 41reads various programs stored in the storage 43, develops the programsin the RAM, executes various types of processing according to thedeveloped programs and controls the respective parts of the displayapparatus 4 in a concentrated manner.

The communicator 42 is constructed of a wireless module or the like andcan transmit various kinds of information (signals or data) to/fromother apparatuses (imaging apparatus 2 and analysis apparatus 3 or thelike) via a communication network such as a LAN (local area network),WAN (wide area network) or the Internet.

The storage 43 is constructed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory ora hard disk, and stores various programs executed by the controller 41(including a program for performing imaging control processing whichwill be described later) or parameters or the like necessary to executeprocessing according to the program.

The displayer 44 is constructed of a monitor such as an LCD (liquidcrystal display) or CRT (cathode ray tube) and displays images andvarious kinds of information according to an instruction of a displaysignal inputted from the controller 41.

The operating part 45 is constructed of a keyboard provided with cursorkeys, numeric input keys and various types of function keys, a pointingdevice such as a mouse, and a touch panel overlaid on a display screenof the displayer 44 or the like, configured to be operable by the user.

The operating part 45 outputs a command signal based on an operationexecuted by the user to the controller 41.

The controller 41 of the display apparatus 4 configured in this way hasfunctions as shown below according to the program stored in the storage43.

More specifically, the controller 41 has functions of acquiring imagedata of a dynamic image constituted of a plurality of frame images,image data of an analysis dynamic image Ia obtained by applyingpredetermined image processing to the image data of the dynamic image,and image data of a related dynamic image Ip which is related to anoriginal dynamic image Io or the analysis dynamic image Ia.

The image data of the original dynamic image Io or the image data of theanalysis dynamic image Ia may be acquired by receiving the image datafrom another apparatus (e.g., analysis apparatus 3) via the communicator42 or may be acquired by calling image data stored in the storage 43.

Here, “image processing” includes a plurality of types of processingsuch as specific component differential processing, frequency emphasisprocessing, specific component tracking processing, specific signalchange amount extraction processing, specific similar waveform patternextraction processing or the like. Only one type of processing may beapplied or a plurality of kinds of processing may be applied incombination.

The specific component differential processing is processing ofimproving viewability of an area other than a specific area by reducinga signal value of a specific area (e.g., rib or clavicle in the lungfield) in an imaging target region.

The frequency emphasis processing is processing of defining a specificarea by emphasizing a frequency of an edge of the specific area in animaging target region.

The specific component tracking processing is processing of calculatinga moving amount or speed of a specific area (e.g., diaphragm) in animaging target region or calculating a distance between two differentspecific areas (e.g., between pulmonary apex and diaphragm).

The specific signal change amount extraction processing is processing ofvisualizing a change amount of a signal value by different colors.

The specific similar waveform pattern extraction processing isprocessing of visualizing a similarity level in a specific signal changeby different colors.

In the present embodiment, in addition to the aforementioned processing,it is also possible to apply processing of visualizing a total amount ofsignal changes in image capturing by displaying a difference between anintegrated image of a maximum signal value and an integrated image of aminimum signal value.

More specifically, an identical coordinate is specified for all theframe images, and a maximum signal value and a minimum signal value arecalculated from among signal values of the respective frame images atthe coordinate. Then, a difference between a frame image having themaximum signal value and a frame image having the minimum signal valueis displayed as one image.

By so doing, when there is a signal change, in the case of thediaphragm, for example, it is possible to visualize a difference whenthe diaphragm ascends and the diaphragm descends.

Furthermore, the “related dynamic image” mainly refers to a dynamicimage or analysis dynamic image obtained by capturing an image of thesame subject at least once in the past.

The image data of the related dynamic image may also be acquired byreceiving the image data from another apparatus (imaging apparatus 2 oranalysis apparatus 3) via the communicator 42 or may be acquired bycalling the image data stored in the storage 43.

Note that instead of acquiring only one of the related dynamic image Iprelated to the original dynamic image Io and the related dynamic imageIp related to the analysis dynamic image Ia, both of the related dynamicimage Ip related to the original dynamic image Io and the relateddynamic image Ip related to the analysis dynamic image Ia may beacquired.

Furthermore, the controller 41 has a function of causing the displayer44 to display related dynamic images together with the original dynamicimage Io and the analysis dynamic image Ia.

More specifically as shown, for example, in FIG. 3, in addition to theoriginal dynamic image Io, various types of analysis dynamic images Iaobtained by applying various types of image processing to the originaldynamic image Io can be displayed in a list. In this case, some of theoriginal dynamic image Io or four types of analysis dynamic images Iaare related dynamic images Ip.

Note that the controller 41 according to the present embodiment also hasfunctions as shown below in addition to the aforementioned function.

More specifically, the controller 41 has a function of causing thedisplayer 44 to display the related dynamic images Ip arranged in timeseries.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the original dynamicimage Io and the analysis dynamic image Ia obtained through most recentimage capturing, and original dynamic images and analysis dynamic imagesobtained through past image capturing are displayed arranged, forexample, from newest to oldest. In this case, the past original dynamicimages and past analysis dynamic images are the related dynamic imagesIp.

Furthermore, in this case, the original dynamic image Io and the relateddynamic images Ip in an upper row are dynamic images of the same type,and the analysis dynamic image Ia and the related dynamic images Ip in alower row are also dynamic images of the same type.

Note that although FIG. 4 shows a case where in addition to the analysisdynamic image Ia, the corresponding original dynamic image Io is alsodisplayed together, another analysis dynamic image Ia may also bedisplayed together or only one type of analysis dynamic image Ia may bedisplayed.

Furthermore, the controller 41 may be provided with a function ofdisplaying a plurality of types of analysis dynamic images obtained byapplying a plurality of types of image processing, one type at a time,superimposed on one another, in addition to the function of applying theaforementioned plurality of types of image processing in combination. Inthis case, the controller 41 may be further provided with a function ofperforming alpha blending (transmission designation).

Furthermore, the controller 41 has a function of switching display ofthe displayer 44 so that related dynamic images Ip which have not beendisplayed so far are displayed based on operation performed on theoperating part 45 in the case where a number of related dynamic imagesIp that cannot be displayed at a time on the displayer 44 are acquired.

For example, when dynamic images are displayed in a form as shown inFIG. 6, the number of dynamic images that can be displayed at a time islimited to four. Thus, in the case where there are five or more acquiredrelated dynamic images Ip, an image display region is scrolled or madeto jump to an analysis dynamic image Ia which is hidden as shown in FIG.6, by moving the mouse cursor while right-clicking, causing the mousewheel to rotate, sliding a finger over the surface of a touch panel orclicking a predetermined location of the image display region.

Even when there are many dynamic images Io, Ia and Ip to be compared,having such a function can facilitate comparisons.

Furthermore, the controller 41 has a function of specifying some of thedynamic images Io, Ia and Ip displayed on the displayer 44 based onoperation performed on the operating part 45.

More specifically, a dynamic image to be specified is specified bytouching or clicking on the dynamic image. In the vicinity or adjacentto the specified dynamic image, a mark m (here, a pin pattern icon) maybe displayed as shown in FIG. 7 or a frame f may be displayed as shownin FIG. 8.

The controller 41 is further provided with a function of switchingdisplay of regions in which dynamic images other than a specifieddynamic image is displayed on the displayer 44.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the specified dynamicimage is fixedly displayed at a left end and other dynamic images arescroll-displayed in the region on the right side.

Having such a function can facilitate comparisons between a comparisonsource dynamic image and many comparison target dynamic images byspecifying the comparison source dynamic image.

The controller 41 further has a function of associating a predeterminedmark m or comment C with image capturing timings of the dynamic imagesIo, Ia and Ip or between the image capturing timings based on operationperformed on the operating part 45.

The associated comments C are displayed around the corresponding dynamicimages as shown, for example, in FIG. 9.

Furthermore, the controller 41 can cause the displayer 44 to display theassociated marks m or comments C arranged in time series and has afunction of switching display of the displayer 44 upon selection of anyone of the marks m or comments C based on operation performed on theoperating part 45 so that a related dynamic image Ip associated with theselected mark m or comment C is displayed.

More specifically, as shown, for example, in FIG. 10, years and monthsindicated on a number line L can be displayed outside the image displayregion of the displayer 44 as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, and the marksm and comments C are displayed at positions corresponding to imagecapturing timings of the dynamic images with which the marks andcomments are associated on the number line L. Any one of the marks m andcomments C displayed on the number line is selected, and thecorresponding dynamic images Io, Ia and Ip are thereby displayed.

Note that the mark m may be substituted by a partition line as shown,for example, in FIG. 12, displayed on the number line L and alsodisplayed between the dynamic images.

Having such a function makes it possible to easily grasp timings ofimage capturing in the past and easily display dynamic images at desiredtimings.

Furthermore, the controller 41 has a function of causing the displayer44 to display a graph showing a relationship between a distance from thepulmonary apex to the diaphragm and the number of frame images in theanalysis dynamic image Ia and the related dynamic image when the lungfield is the imaging target region of the related dynamic image.

More specifically, as shown, for example, in FIG. 13, graphs G, thehorizontal axis of which represents a frame number and the vertical axisof which represents a distance are displayed adjacent to the originaldynamic image Io or each related dynamic image Ip.

Note that although a case has been illustrated in FIG. 13 where thegraphs G are displayed in front of the corresponding analysis dynamicimages Ia or related dynamic images Ip, the graphs G may be displayed infront of the original dynamic image Io so as not to shield the analysisdynamic images Ia or related dynamic images Ip, or the graphs G may bedisplayed at positions different from the image display region so as notto shield any dynamic images Io, Ia and Ip.

When playing back a dynamic image based on a predetermined operation(e.g., pressing of button type icons i for instructing playback or stopof a moving image as shown, for example, in FIG. 14), the controller 41has a function of approximating a waveform of one of the graphcorresponding to the analysis dynamic image Ia and the graphcorresponding to the related dynamic image to a waveform of the othergraph.

More specifically, by processing a dynamic image of an inspection B(one) corresponding to a graph shown at the right top in FIG. 15A toFIG. 15C so that the frame that becomes a local maximum (local minimum)as shown at the right bottom in FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C is shifted to thefront (back), the graph is thereby approximated to a waveform of a graphof an inspection A (the other) shown at the left in FIG. 15A to FIG.15C.

In a breathing-related dynamic image, the dynamic image does not alwayshave the same breathing phase as that of the image captured in the past,and so time and effort are necessary for comparison and confirmation ofimages, whereas having such a function can save time and effort.

Furthermore, when playing back the analysis dynamic image Ia or therelated dynamic image, the controller 41 has a function of partiallyplaying back frames starting from a frame in which image capturing isperformed when a distance from the pulmonary apex to the diaphragm is amaximum to a frame in which image capturing is performed when thedistance is a minimum or from a frame in which image capturing isperformed when the distance from the pulmonary apex to the diaphragm isa minimum to a frame in which image capturing is performed when thedistance is a maximum.

More specifically, the controller 41 plays back a range of the graphsinking to the right as shown in FIG. 16A or a range of the graph risingto the right as shown in FIG. 16B.

Note that the controller 41 may also play back frames starting from aframe in which an image is captured when the distance from the pulmonaryapex to the diaphragm is a maximum to a frame in which an image iscaptured at the next and subsequent times when the distance is a maximumor from a frame in which an image is captured when the distance from thepulmonary apex to the diaphragm is a minimum to a frame in which animage is captured at the next and subsequent times (after two times inFIG. 16C) when the distance is a minimum as shown in FIG. 16C.

Furthermore, the controller 41 has a function of playing back theanalysis dynamic image Ia and the related dynamic image simultaneously.

Furthermore, the controller 41 has a function of changing playbackspeeds of the analysis dynamic image Ia and the related dynamic image.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, for example, icons i2 forindicating ½-speed playback and double-speed playback are added to thebutton type icons it for indicating playback or stoppage of a movingimage. When this icon i2 is touched or clicked, dynamic images areplayed back at a speed ½ or twice the normal speed.

Having such a function makes it possible to slowly play back a range ofa dynamic image to be preferably observed attentively or to quicklyfinish playback of a range of a dynamic image which is not so important.

As described above, the display apparatus 4 provided for the imagingsystem 100 according to the present embodiment is provided with thedisplayer 44 and the controller 41 that acquires image data of a dynamicimage constituted of a plurality of frame images, image data of ananalysis dynamic image Ia obtained by applying predetermined imageprocessing to image data of the dynamic image and image data of arelated dynamic image Ip related to the dynamic image or the analysisdynamic image Ia respectively and causes the displayer 44 to display therelated dynamic image Ip together with the original dynamic image Io andthe analysis dynamic image Ia.

Having such a function allows the displayer 44 to display the originaldynamic image Io, the analysis dynamic image Ia and the related dynamicimage simultaneously, thereby making it relatively easy to compare acomparison source dynamic image with comparison target dynamic imagesIo, Ia and Ip.

Although the present invention has been described specifically based onthe embodiment so far, it goes without saying that the present inventionis not limited to the above embodiment and can be changed as appropriatewithout departing from the spirit and scope of range.

[Associated Techniques]

Next, associated techniques applicable to a radiation imaging system ingeneral having an image analysis function and an image display functionincluding the radiation imaging system 100 according to the aboveembodiment will be described.

[Generation of Analysis Dynamic Image]

Radiation imaging systems involve a problem that performing variouskinds of image processing based on operation of the operating part 45requires time and effort.

In view of such a problem, a necessary dynamic analysis or measurementof an internal area of the lung field (area of the region shown by areference character Lu in FIG. 18) based on predetermined conditions(e.g., image capturing conditions, disease) when image data of a dynamicimage is acquired may be automatically executed and the analysis andmeasurement results may be displayed on the displayer 44.

By so doing, it is possible to save time and effort required to selectnecessity or unnecessity of a dynamic analysis and area calculationsexecuted by the user.

Furthermore, setting conditions for the dynamic analysis and areacalculations may avoid unnecessary dynamic analyses.

Furthermore, the radiation imaging systems involve a problem that evenwhen a dynamic analysis is preferred to be performed urgently for a highpriority subject such as an emergency patient, if an analysis of adynamic image of another subject is already in progress or there is aqueue of dynamic analyses to be executed, it is impossible to proceed tothe next dynamic analysis.

In view of such a problem, the processing order may be changed accordingto priority or parallel processing may be allowed to be executed.

By so doing, it is possible to perform a dynamic analysis starting frominspection with high priority.

Parallel processing allows the analysis to be finished earlier.

Diagnoses using radiation imaging systems also involve a problem thatwhen parameters used for a new dynamic analysis are different fromparameters used for past dynamic analyses, it is difficult to compare ananalysis dynamic image Ia obtained by the new dynamic analysis with ananalysis dynamic image Ia obtained by the past dynamic analyses.

In view of such a problem, the parameters of the past images may also beused for the new dynamic analysis.

By so doing, it is possible to facilitate comparison between theanalysis dynamic image Ia obtained by the new dynamic analysis and theanalysis dynamic images Ia obtained by the past dynamic analyses.

In the radiation imaging system, parameters used for past dynamicanalyses are not always stored in the analysis apparatus used for a newdynamic analysis. If parameters used in the past are stored in anotherapparatus, the problem is that the user cannot find the parameters usedin the past, which prevents the past parameters from being used for anew dynamic analysis.

In view of such a problem, as shown, for example, in FIG. 19, theradiation imaging system may be connected to a server, PACS, database,HIS, RIS or the like and parameters used for past dynamic analyses maybe saved in one of these apparatuses.

By so doing, it is possible to share past parameters among therespective apparatuses connected to these apparatuses and solve theproblem that past parameters cannot be used.

In the radiation imaging system, when an analysis of a dynamic image ofanother subject is already in progress or there is a queue of dynamicanalyses to be executed, there is a problem that it is unknown how manynew analysis dynamic images Ia can be confirmed.

In view of such a problem, as shown, for example, in FIG. 20,information If such as contents and the number of dynamic analysis to beexecuted, progress of a dynamic analysis (at least one of graph andnumerical value) and a remaining time until the end of a dynamicanalysis or the like may be displayed.

Note that such information If may also be displayed in a list ofinspections as shown, for example, in FIG. 21.

By so doing, it is possible to make an estimate as to when a newanalysis dynamic image Ia can be confirmed and it is thereby easier toschedule an overall inspection.

[Image Display/Image Confirmation]

In the radiation imaging system, it is often the case that there are aplurality of types of related dynamic images in the same inspection andthere may be cases where the displayer does not have an enough space todisplay all the related dynamic images. In that case, it is necessary toconfirm one by one what related dynamic images exist among relateddynamic images which are not displayed, which takes time and effort.

In view of such a problem, the number of frames to be displayed at atime may be changed depending on the number of types of related dynamicimages.

More specifically, when the number of types of related dynamic images Ipis small, the number of frames may be reduced as shown, for example, inFIG. 22 and each related dynamic image is displayed in an enlarged size,or when the number of types is large, the number of frames is increasedand each related dynamic image is displayed in a small size.

By so doing, even when there are many related dynamic images, it ispossible to easily confirm or grasp the related dynamic images.

Furthermore, in the radiation imaging system, if there are a pluralityof original dynamic images Io in the same inspection, there is a problemthat when the original dynamic image Io and the analysis dynamic imageIa are displayed together, it becomes uncertain to which originaldynamic image Io, the analysis dynamic image Ia corresponds.

In view of such a problem, as shown, for example, in FIG. 24, thedynamic image Io and the analysis dynamic image Ia may be arranged inone line (here, arranged laterally in a row) or as shown in FIG. 25, thesame mark m may be added to the original dynamic image Io and thecorresponding analysis dynamic image Ia.

By so doing, it is easier to grasp the original dynamic image Io and thecorresponding analysis dynamic image Ia.

In the radiation imaging system, when, for example, an attempt is madeto carry out drag-and-drop using a mouse to add a dynamic image to bedisplayed, it is necessary to perform an operation of increasing thenumber of frames, which takes time and effort.

In view of such a problem, a list of thumbnail images for the acquiredanalysis dynamic images Ia and related dynamic images may be displayedand a predetermined selection operation may be performed on a thumbnailimage for a dynamic image to be displayed to thereby allowdisplaying/non-displaying of dynamic images to be switched and changethe number of frames to be displayed at a time depending on the numberof dynamic images to be displayed (the number of selected thumbnailimages) and depending on the number of images.

As shown in FIG. 26, examples of the method of selecting thumbnailimages include checking checkboxes provided for the respective thumbnailimages It and clicking on the thumbnail images It themselves.

Dynamic images corresponding to the selected thumbnail images It aredisplayed. If the number of thumbnail images to be selected isincreased, the number of dynamic images to be displayed is alsoincreased as shown in FIG. 27.

By so doing, it is possible to add dynamic images without the need forperforming operation to change the number of frames or moving the mouse.

Since displaying/non-displaying operation of dynamic images is performedin the thumbnail region, it is possible to reduce the amount of movementof the mouse.

In the radiation imaging system, when one dynamic image is displayed ina large size over a whole image display region within the displayer, ifanother dynamic image needs to be displayed, for example, if an attemptis made to display the other dynamic image by carrying out drag-and-dropof the corresponding thumbnail image using the mouse, the amount ofmovement of the mouse increases and operability deteriorates.

In view of such a problem, which dynamic image of image data of theacquired dynamic images is to be displayed (switched) may be assigned tokeys of a keyboard and a mouse or the like in advance so that when apredetermined keyboard operation or mouse operation is carried out, thecorresponding dynamic image is displayed.

By so doing, when a specific key operation or mouse operation is carriedout while a certain dynamic image (e.g., original dynamic image Io) isdisplayed as shown, for example, in FIG. 28, another dynamic image(e.g., analysis dynamic image Ia) as shown in, FIG. 29 is displayed, andit is thereby possible to perform changeover to a desired dynamic imagewithout largely moving the mouse.

In the radiation imaging system, when all the thumbnail images ofacquired dynamic images are arranged side by side, it is necessary tolargely scroll the list of thumbnail images to reach a thumbnail imageof a dynamic image to be displayed, which takes time and effort.

In view of such a problem, as shown, for example, in FIG. 30, a list Liof a plurality of inspections carried out for the same patient may bedisplayed on the displayer 44, and only thumbnail images It of dynamicimages corresponding to the inspections selected from the list Li may bedisplayed.

By so doing, it is possible to facilitate finding of a target inspectionand facilitate referencing of the corresponding thumbnail image.

The radiation imaging system involves a problem that if there are aplurality of similar types of analysis dynamic images Ia obtained byapplying similar types of image processing while changing parameters, itis not possible to determine which parameter is used to process ananalysis dynamic image Ia for a diagnosis.

In view of such a problem, as shown, for example, in FIG. 31, apredetermined mark m may be displayed in the vicinity (e.g., tab t) ofone of similar dynamic images Io, Ia and Ip with different parameters.It is assumed that the mark m can be displayed for only one of thedynamic images Io, Ia and Ip of the same inspection.

Furthermore, dynamic images Io, Ia and Ip of the same type withdifferent parameters may be switchable between a switching display withtabs t1 and t2, and a display in parallel.

By so doing, it is possible to determine which analysis dynamic image Iais for a diagnosis on the basis of the presence or absence of a mark.

Adopting tab switching as the display method allows only a dynamic imagedetermined for a diagnosis to be displayed.

Furthermore, the radiation imaging system involves a problem that whenthere are a plurality of analysis dynamic images Ia of the same typeobtained by applying image processing of the same type while changingparameters, it takes time to locate a difference in analysis results.

In view of such a problem, analysis dynamic images Ia of the same typewith different parameters may be superimposed and displayed, and thelevel of difference between both images may be distinguished by usingdifferent colors.

By so doing, when there are a plurality of analysis dynamic images Ia ofthe same type with different parameters, it is possible to easily graspthe differences.

[Playback of Dynamic Image]

Furthermore, the radiation imaging system involves a problem that whenan analysis dynamic image Ia and a related dynamic image are comparedwhile both images are being played back, it is difficult to compare theimages when breathing timings do not match.

In view of such a problem, playback timings of both images may bematched based on the respective frame images of the analysis dynamicimage Ia and the related dynamic image.

More specifically, state changes of movable regions of the respectivedynamic images (e.g., ascending/descending motion of the diaphragm) maybe examined, and frame images corresponding to timing at which thestates of the movable regions of the respective dynamic images aresubstantially matched (e.g., when the diaphragm ascends (descends) tothe highest (lowest) position) and the frame images may be played back.

By so doing, it is possible to compare the analysis dynamic image Ia andthe related dynamic image in a matched breathing state without the needto use a graph.

In the radiation imaging system, during playback of a dynamic image, ifanother image needs to be subjected to image processing (e.g., gradationprocessing, image enlargement/contraction), the playback of the dynamicimage needs to be suspended, which takes time and effort.

In view of such a problem, it may be possible to apply specific imageprocessing to image data of the dynamic image under playback.

By so doing, it is possible to apply other image processing withoutsuspending the playback of the dynamic image.

[Past Image Display]

In the radiation imaging system, even when the user finds points in adisplayed graph the user worries about and wants to confirm thecorresponding frame image, the user has to find the frame image whileconfirming frame images one by one starting from those seemingly closeto the target image, which takes time and effort.

In view of such a problem, it may be possible to switch between frameimages through operation on a graph.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 33, a graph G, dynamic images Io, Iaand Ip are displayed respectively. In the graph G, it may be possible todisplay a longitudinal line 1 parallel to the vertical axis which can bemoved through, for example, a drag operation. Furthermore, a frame imagewith a number at a point at which the longitudinal line 1 crosses thehorizontal axis is displayed.

By so doing, by only moving the longitudinal line 1 to a point in thegraph G the user worries about, it is possible to instantaneouslydisplay the frame image corresponding to the movement destination asshown, for example, in FIG. 34.

Furthermore, in the radiation imaging system, when inspections arerepeated, a display position of a dynamic image displayed on thedisplayer 44 is shifted, and so when a graph is displayed at a positionat which the graph was displayed at the time of a previous diagnosis,the image may be shielded. Moreover, when the graph displayed at thetime of a past diagnosis is displayed together, the past graph isdisplayed on the actual graph, and so it is necessary to move the graph.

In view of such a problem, the graphs G corresponding to the dynamicimages Io, Ia and Ip may be displayed adjacent to the correspondingdynamic images Io, Ia and Ip as shown in FIG. 35 (for example, below).

Note that as shown in FIG. 36, marks m and colors indicating associationbetween the dynamic images Io, Ia and Ip and the graph G, and linesindicating links may be displayed.

By so doing, it is possible to arrange the dynamic images Io, Ia and Ipincluding the related dynamic images and the graphs G from the time ofinitial display and confirm the images.

Furthermore, it is also possible to perform comparison between thegraphs G.

Furthermore, in the radiation imaging system, it is not possible tovisually recognize regions corresponding to maximum, minimum and averagesignal values in an imaging target region. That is, there is a problemthat signal maps in dynamic images are unknown.

In view of such a problem, as shown, for example, in FIG. 37, whenmaximum, minimum and average signal values or a predetermined range arespecified in a signal value graph, pixels corresponding to the specifiedsignal value may be displayed in a specific color in the frame imagedisplayed.

By so doing, it is possible to visually recognize the regioncorresponding to the maximum, minimum and average signal values in theimaging target region.

Furthermore, it is possible to grasp a signal map in the dynamic image.

[Graph Confirmation]

The radiation imaging system further involves a problem that it takestime and effort to change parameter values on a setting screen.

In view of such a problem, it may be possible to change parameter valueson a graph. By so doing, parameter values can be changed easily.

In a diagnosis using the radiation imaging system, there is a problemthat it is not possible to visually recognize a distance that apredetermined tracking point moves between specified frames.

In view of such a problem, as shown, for example, in FIG. 38, numericalvalues N such as a time and distance that a predetermined tracking pointmoves between specified frames and acceleration may be displayed on thegraph G.

Furthermore, it may be possible to display a motion speed as shown, forexample, in FIG. 39 in the form of a graph or the like.

By so doing, it is possible to grasp detailed analysis results.

Furthermore, the radiation imaging system involves a problem that it isdifficult to visually recognize a difference between a certain dynamicimage and a past dynamic image. More specifically, there is a problemthat it is difficult to grasp the degree of improvement in symptoms incomparison with a past inspection.

In view of such a problem, as shown, for example, in FIG. 40, by causinga waveform (broken line) of a graph G2 of a related dynamic image to beapproximated to a waveform (solid line) of a graph G1 of an analysisdynamic image, a difference from the past dynamic image may bedisplayed.

By so doing, it is possible to visually recognize a difference between acertain dynamic image and a past dynamic image.

The radiation imaging system involves a problem that it is not possibleto grasp various kinds of information using a graph of a dynamic imagealone.

In view of such a problem, as shown, for example, in FIG. 41A, FIG. 41Band FIG. 41C, information M of various measurement results may bedisplayed in numerical values together with a graph G. There are variousgraphs G showing “original image average signal value,” “tracking pointmoving amount,” “distance between two tracking points,” “analysis signalvalue” or the like, all of which can be handled.

Note that the position at which and the size in which the graph G andthe information M of measurement results are displayed can be changedaccording to the number of frames of the dynamic images Io, Ia and Ipdisplayed as shown, for example, in FIG. 42 and FIG. 43.

By displaying the measurement results together with the graph G in thisway, it is possible to facilitate visual recognition.

Furthermore, when diagnosing a certain disease using dynamic images, itmay be sometimes desirable to quickly confirm only measurement resultsbased on the dynamic images without referring to the dynamic images.

Therefore, it may be possible to display thumbnail images of graphs inan inspection list or display measurement results M (maximum/minimumwidth or the like) together with the inspection information (date andtime of inspection, patient ID or the like) in a list as shown, forexample, in FIG. 44.

By so doing, when it is desirable to confirm only the measurementresults M, it is possible to omit display of dynamic images.

Displaying the measurement results in a list makes it possible tofacilitate comparisons.

[Selection of Target Patient]

Furthermore, when diagnosing a certain disease using dynamic images, itmay be sometimes desirable to compare symptoms with another patienthaving the same disease.

Therefore, the radiation imaging system may be provided with aninterface for registering diseases and a database for managing patientnames, diseases, image data of captured dynamic images or the like inassociation with one another and may be enabled to display dynamicimages of the other patient having the same disease as related dynamicimages.

More specifically, as shown, for example, in FIG. 45, an icon Id of adisease may be displayed, and by selecting an icon Id of a certaindisease, dynamic images of the other patient having the selected diseasemay be displayed.

By so doing, it is possible to compare with another patient having thesame disease.

[Deletion of Analysis Dynamic Image]

In the radiation imaging system that handles dynamic images, the dataamount becomes enormous and this presses storage capacity, and it istherefore necessary to delete unnecessary image data.

In such a case, image data may be preferably deleted in descending orderof date of creation. Furthermore, when there are a plurality of piecesof image data having the same or close date of creation, image data maybe preferably deleted in order from analysis dynamic images Ia (otherthan original dynamic image Io).

If an original dynamic image Io is left behind, an analysis dynamicimage Ia can be generated again from the original dynamic image Io, andby so doing, it is possible to secure more image data while preventingoppression of storage capacity or the like.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described andillustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are made for purposesof illustration and example only and not limitation. The scope of thepresent invention should be interpreted by terms of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A radiation image display apparatus comprising: adisplayer; and a display controller that displays, on the displayer, adynamic image constituted of a plurality of frame images and a graphcorresponding to the dynamic image, wherein the display controllerdisplays, on the graph, frame information of the frame images displayedon the displayer.
 2. The radiation image display apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the frame information is information indicating framenumbers of the dynamic image.
 3. The radiation image display apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the graph is a graph in which anhorizontal axis indicates the frame numbers, and the display controllerdisplays, on the graph, a longitudinal line corresponding to the framenumbers.
 4. The radiation image display apparatus according to claim 3,further comprising an operating part that receives a user operation ofmoving the longitudinal line, wherein the display controller displays,on the displayer, a frame image corresponding to a frame number at apoint at which the longitudinal line crosses the horizontal axis.
 5. Theradiation image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thedynamic image includes at least one among an original dynamic image, ananalysis dynamic image obtained by applying predetermined imageprocessing to image data of the original dynamic image, and a relateddynamic image related to at least either the original dynamic image orthe analysis dynamic image.
 6. The radiation image display apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein the display controller displays, on thedisplayer, at least two among the original dynamic image, the analysisdynamic image, and the related dynamic image next to each other.
 7. Theradiation image display apparatus according to claim 5, wherein thedisplay controller plays back, as a moving image, at least one among theoriginal dynamic image, the analysis dynamic image, and the relateddynamic image.
 8. The radiation image display apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the display controller displays and plays back thedynamic image on the displayer.
 9. The radiation image display apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the display controller displays an iconfor instructing playback of the dynamic image at a position where theicon and the graph do not overlap.
 10. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes acomputer of a radiation image display apparatus including a displayerto: display, on the displayer, a dynamic image constituted of aplurality of frame images and a graph corresponding to the dynamicimage; and display, on the graph, frame information of the frame imagesdisplayed on the displayer.
 11. A radiation imaging system comprising: aradiation image analysis apparatus that can apply predetermined imageprocessing to dynamic image data constituted of a plurality of frameimages to generate analysis dynamic image data; and the radiation imagedisplay apparatus according to claim 1.